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Mr Forster said: “She’s steered through unacceptable proposals without listening to the community.

“We’re profoundly disappointed as it’s the first step towards centralising services, which marginalises local people.

Hands Off HRI campaigner Mike Forster

“She will go down in Huddersfield history as the woman who pushed through these proposals against the wishes of health professionals, councillors and the wider community.”

Mr Deitch said: “We’re disappointed that someone who does not have the confidence of local people should gain a promotion.”

NHS Greater Huddersfield and NHS North Kirklees CCGs have agreed that both organisations will share a single Chief Officer.

Paula Sherriff MP for Dewsbury, Mirfield , Denby Dale and Kirkburton said: “I’m working to hold our NHS leaders to account, particularly around the reconfiguration of NHS services across the district and I have ongoing dialogue with Carol McKenna on these issues.

“I hope that in her new role across both North Kirklees and Greater Huddersfield Clinical Commissioning Groups, she’ll be able to give equal time to the two separate organisations, both of which serve my Dewsbury constituency.”

NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG said the move has been approved by NHS England and Mrs McKenna would take control in North Kirklees from November 1.

Dr Steve Ollerton, local GP and clinical leader of NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG said: “The two CCGs have been working together since they were established and already jointly commission a range of services and share a number of staff.

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“The appointment of a single Chief Officer is the next logical step on this journey.”

Dr David Kelly, local GP and Chair of NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “We wish Richard all the best for the future as he returns to the local authority and thank him for his contribution to the work of NHS North Kirklees CCG.

Chair of North Kirklees Clinicial Commissioning Group, Dr David Kelly

“We look forward to continuing to work with him.

“While the CCGs are changing the way they work, there are no plans for a formal merger and they will therefore remain as separate statutory organisations. “Staffing arrangements will be reviewed to ensure that there is appropriate expertise and capacity across the two organisations as a result of this change.”